Tasmania Fire Service recommends that every home has a fire extinguisher and fire blanket. Only use them if you think it is safe.
In the event of a fire in the home, it’s important to prioritise safety and act fast.
Fire equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets can be effective at putting out small fires in their early stages.
Do not take unacceptable risks in trying to put out a fire as it is very easy to be overcome by smoke and heat.
Make sure you are familiar with how to use your extinguisher and fire blanket to use them safely and effectively.
An emergency is not the time to read instructions.
REMEMBER: Saving lives through a quick escape is far more important than saving property.
Fire extinguishers
There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available and some are rated for one or more types of fire.
Some extinguishers can be extremely dangerous to use on certain types of fire and can increase the fire and threaten your safety. Some extinguishers are also considered ineffective against certain types of fire.
Tasmania Fire Service recommends the Powder ABE extinguishers (pictured right) for use in your home.*
This extinguisher is suitable for the following types of fire:
Wood, paper, plastics etc
Flammable liquids
Flammable gases
Energised electrical equipment
You should also have a fire extinguisher in your boat or caravan, if you have one.
* This extinguisher IS NOT suitable for use in kitchens with cooking oils or fats. A fire blanket should be used on this type of fire.
There are four (4) basic steps for using modern portable fire extinguishers:
- Pull out the pin and test the extinguisher. If safe to do so and the fire is small approach slowly to
within 2-3 metres of the fire - Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handles together
- Sweep the powder at the flames from side to side. Continue until the fire is out.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas/electricity at the stove or at the mains supply.
Call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).
NOTE There is currently no fire extinguisher rated for lithium-ion battery fires. If a lithium-ion battery is on fire evacuate the area, close doors behind you and call Triple Zero (000).
Fire blankets
Tasmania Fire Service recommends you have a fire blanket in your kitchen. They are the most suitable for cooking fires. Store fire blankets somewhere easily accessible and away from stoves/cooktops.
How to use fire blankets for a cooking fire:
- Take hold of the two tabs and pull the blanket from its bag
- Hold the tabs towards yourself and protect your hand
- Walk slowly towards the fire and stretch your arms out in front
- As the blanket touches the top of the stove, place it over the fire
- Leave the blanket over the pot for at least thirty minutes
- If it’s safe to do so, turn off the gas/electricity at the stove or at the main supply
- Call Triple Zero (000) once you are away from the fire.
IMPORTANT: A fire blanket is designed to be used once only. Replace after use.
The Australian Standard symbol on the packaging shows if the equipment is approved and safe to use.
If you do not know how to use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket:
- Get down, get low, get out – smoke is poisonous, get underneath it on your hands and knees, and crawl to the nearest safe exit
- Shut doors behind you to stop the spread of fire
- Shout Fire! Fire! Fire! to warn others
- Ensure everyone is out of the building
- Get out and stay out – never go back inside
- Go to your safe meeting place – such as your letterbox
- Call Triple Zero (000) from a mobile or a neighbour’s phone
- Wait for the Fire Service to arrive.
Hot tips
- Don’t wait until it’s too late! Know how to operate your fire extinquisher or fire blanket before needing to use it on a fire.
- Remember, your personal safety should always come first.
- When you are away from the fire, call emergency services immediately.
- If you do own these devices, it is important that you familiarise yourself with them, ensure they are easily accessible and regularly maintained.